Bharat Bandh 2024: Nationwide Strike On Feb 16, All You Need To Know

Gramin Bharat Bandh 2024: Amid the ongoing "Dilli Chalo" March, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced a Bharat bandh -- called Gramin Bharat Bandh -- on February 16. They are urging farmers across the country to take part in the protest.

The announcement was made today amidst the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' protest. The protest is led by an SKM, along with Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Near Ambala and Jind, tear gas was fired at protesters who were attempting to push through police barricades set up by the Haryana Police to prevent them from reaching Delhi.

The Gramin Bharat Bandh organised by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha is scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm. During the Bandh, which will also receive support from central trade unions, farmers plan to chakka jam (Block Roads) in major places across the country from 12 pm to 4 pm, reported. In Punjab, many state and national highways will be shut down for four hours on Friday, February 16.

On February 15th, BKU Ugrahan will halt train services from 12 noon to 4 PM as a sign of support for the farmers heading towards Delhi. This decision was made by the Ugrahan organization to stand with the farmers' cause.

Farmer protest | Photo: Bccl

Why Bharat Bandh on February 16?

On Wednesday, February 14th, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (a non-political group) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are planning their second day of marching towards Delhi. They are urging the government to meet various demands, with one of the key requests being the implementation of a law ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

The SKM talked about what they wanted. They want MSP for all crops based on the C2+50 percent formula also called the Swaminathan formula. This formula includes the input cost of capital plus 50 percent. They also want a guarantee in writing that their crops will be bought, debt forgiveness, no increase in electricity prices, and no smart meters.

They also asked for 300 units of free electricity for farming, homes, and shops. They want complete insurance for crops and an increase in pensions to Rs 10,000 every month, along with some other things.

This move comes as part of ongoing protests by farmers across the country, highlighting their concerns and pushing for policy changes to support agricultural communities.

SKM said, "The administration has blocked off the borders in Punjab by setting up strong barriers made of concrete, iron nails, and barbed wires along the highways. They've also stopped internet services, put in place Section 144, and made people feel scared, treating them like they're against the country."

On February 16, during the industrial strike and Gramin Bharat Bandh, various groups such as students, young people, women, and other community members like farmers, teachers, small business owners, drivers, experts, and journalists came together to show their support and solidarity. They stand united in their cause, highlighting the importance of their voices being heard and their concerns being addressed. This collective effort emphasizes the unity and strength of diverse sections of society coming together for a common purpose.

Yesterday, there was a clash between farmers and Haryana Police at two border points. The police had to use tear gas and water cannons because the farmers were trying to break through barricades and move towards Delhi for their protest. Many farmers, traveling in trucks loaded with supplies, joined the march. This happened because discussions between farmer unions and the government didn't succeed in ensuring fair prices for crops.

Bharat Bandh 2024: Full Plan for Nationwide Protest

Farmer protest | Photo: BCCL

The farmer groups have revealed their strategy for the nationwide protest, detailing their actions and urging fellow farmers and citizens to participate.

The Kisan committees are saying that on 16th February, starting from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM the next day, there will be a Bharat Bandh. During this time, farmers all over the country will stop traffic on main roads. In Punjab, some highways might be closed for about 4 hours, as per the farmers' association. They're also saying that during the Bharat Bandh, there won't be any buying or selling of vegetables, grains, or other crops.

They're asking people to close village shops and stop all farming and rural work. They're also requesting grain markets, rural industries, private companies, and vegetable markets to stay closed during the nationwide bandh. Reports say that even road workers are joining the protest, so there won't be public transportation available. During the protest, members of SKM plan to do street plays, sing songs, and recite poetry to share their demands and explain why they're protesting for the rights of farmers and workers.

Gramin Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Will cities not be affected?

• Gramin Bharat Bandh, or Rural India Shutdown, is a protest scheduled to occur from 6 am to 4 pm on Friday.
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• During this time, all village markets will remain closed.
• Farmers will be participating in a roadblock ('chakka jam') on main roads across the nation from 12 pm to 4 pm.
• On February 16, there will be a halt in agricultural activities and MNREGA works.
• There will be no trading or purchasing of vegetables or other crops on Friday.
• Although government offices, banks, and schools will remain open, the lack of transportation may cause inconvenience to people.
• Cities may experience disruptions in the supply of milk and vegetables. Transportation will also be affected as central trade unions are taking part in the bandh. Whether state buses will operate depends on the participation of local unions in the protest.

Important Routes to Avoid During Today's Bharat Bandh in Delhi

Today during the Bharat Bandh, there will be significant traffic jams at the entry points to Delhi. Specifically, the Singhu Border (connecting Delhi to Haryana), Ghazipur Border (linking Delhi to Ghaziabad), and the Tikri Border (also connecting Delhi to Haryana) are expected to be heavily congested due to ongoing protests. It is advisable to avoid these areas altogether. Additionally, the alternative routes suggested to manage the traffic diversion may also experience heavy congestion as all vehicles will be rerouted through them.

What are the demands of farmers?

The Protesting Farmers Association has several demands. They want pensions for farmers, and proper implementation of employees¡¯ benefits, and they don't want changes to labor laws. They're asking for a monthly wage of Rs 26,000 for workers, guaranteed jobs as a basic right, cancellation of four labor codes, no reduction in the workforce, halting the privatization of government-owned companies, and fixed-term employment. They also want the daily wage under MGNREGS to be raised to Rs 600, with 200 days of work per person each year. Additionally, they're calling for social security and pensions for everyone, whether they work in formal or informal sectors.